Flow passage control mechanism for microchip

ABSTRACT

A channel control mechanism for a microchip has a laminated structure formed of members including elastic members, and includes: a sample reservoir for packing a sample therein; a reaction reservoir in which mixture and reaction of the sample are performed; and a channel formed in a middle layer of the laminated structure, for bringing the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir into communication with each other. The channel control mechanism performs the reaction and analysis in such a manner that the sample is delivered into the reaction reservoir through the channel. A shutter channel (pressurizing channel) is provided in a layer different from a layer in which the channel is formed so that the pressurizing channel partially overlaps the channel. The channel is closed through applying a pressurized medium to the shutter channel (pressurizing channel), and the channel is opened through releasing a pressure of the pressurized medium.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a channel control mechanism for an analysismicrochip (microchip), which includes a plurality of sample reservoirsand a reaction reservoir used for gene analysis and the like, and inwhich the reaction reservoir and the sample reservoirs are continuouswith each other through a micro channel.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, for a chip which includes a packing vessel and a microchannel on one chip, and is referred to as a microchip, a lab-on-chip, amicroreactor, a fluidic chip, or a chemical reaction cartridge, therehave been studied various delivering mechanisms and methods forcontrolling and delivering a sample or a liquid sample to allow thesample or the liquid sample to react, to thereby perform analysis ofmicro components such as gene. As technologies relating to themechanisms and methods, there are disclosed, for example, JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2003-212152 (PatentDocument 1), Japanese Patent No. 3746207 (Patent Document 2), JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2005-308200 (PatentDocument 3), and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication(JP-A) No. 2007-101200 (Patent Document 4).

According to Patent Document 1, in “a substrate which is formed of anelastic body and includes a micro channel in an inside thereof”, thefollowing structure is adopted as delivering means. Specifically, “themicro channel is pressed through applying a mechanical pressure onto thesubstrate by a gear-shaped roller. Then, through rotating the rollerwhile applying the pressure thereon, a periodic pressure is applied ontothe substrate, and thus a fluid is moved.”

According to Patent Document 2, in “a sheet-type microreactor”, thefollowing structure is adopted as delivering means. Specifically,“rotary drive means performs rotation for applying a centrifugal forceto a specimen, and moving means moves the centrifugally separatedspecimen from the second gap part to the third gap part.”

According to Patent Document 3, in “a fluidic chip in which a part of anupper portion of a micro channel is formed of an elastic member”, thefollowing structure is adopted as deliver opening/closing means.Specifically, “a micro-valve mechanism includes a pressure control porterected on the elastic member on the fluidic chip, and opens/closes avalve by applying/releasing a pressure via the pressure control port.”

According to Patent Document 4, in “a chemical reaction cartridge”having a laminated structure including an elastic member, the followingstructure is adopted as delivering means or opening/closing means.Specifically, “the chemical reaction cartridge causes deformation tooccur upon application of an external force, and transfers or sealssubstances contained therein.”

In addition, “Solving means” section in Abstract and “Embodiments of theInvention” section, the structure in which “a roller is rotated whilekept pressed into contact with the cartridge” is described.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the conventional technology regarding delivering disclosedin Patent Document 1, when delivering a sample into a reaction reservoirserving as a sample-delivered side through the channel from a samplereservoir provided on the chip to serves as a sample-delivering side,delivering is performed while crushing the channel by the gear-shapedroller. Thus, the sample remains in the channel, and it is impossible tocompletely deliver the sample remaining in the channel just before thereaction reservoir serving as the delivered side. In addition, in thereaction reservoir as the delivered side, steps of sequentiallydelivering, mixing, and disposing of a plurality of samples aregenerally performed. Thus, the sample previously delivered is notcompletely disposed of from the channel or the reaction reservoir sothat a micro amount of the sample remains, which may adversely affectthe sample to be delivered in the subsequent step.

Further, complex control means is required to control and drive thegear-shaped roller, and a function of the delivering means depends on apress-contact force of the roller itself pressing the chip. Thus, in thecase where a plurality of opening/closing mechanisms are required, alarge number of rollers are required, and the sample reservoir and thereaction reservoir serving as a packing side and a packed side arerestricted in position. In addition, there is a problem in that themechanism structure is increased in size, complicated, and high-priced.

Further, it is impossible to completely discharge and control the sampleremaining in the channel just before the sample reservoir and thereaction reservoir serving as the packing side and the packed side andbeing continuous with the channel, and hence a micro amount of thesample remains and is mixed with the sample to be used in the subsequentstep. As a result, there is a problem in that contamination occurs andadversely affects reliability of analysis results.

Further, in the conventional technology regarding delivering disclosedin Patent Document 2, the following structure is adopted. Specifically,the microreactor itself including a plurality of channels and aplurality of gaps for a sample is mounted to a centrifugal separator,and the sample packed in the gap by a centrifugal force is deliveredinto another gap through the channels. With this structure, thecentrifugal separator is needed as the delivering means, and hence thedevice structure is complicated, increased in size, and high-priced.Further, only a structure including a single channel and a single gapcan be formed in a delivering direction, in other words, there is aproblem in that it is impossible to deliver the sample into theplurality of gaps stepwise.

Further, in the conventional technology regarding opening/closing of thechannel disclosed in Patent Document 3, a pressing body is brought intopress-contact with the channel provided inside the chip from an uppersurface of the fluidic chip formed of the elastic member, to therebyclose the channel. Further, the channel is opened along with releasingthe pressure. However, in the case of sequentially delivering aplurality of samples, it is impossible to remove the sample remaining inthe channel other than a valve portion. As a result, there is a problemin that the remaining sample adversely affects the sample to bedelivered in the subsequent step and affects reliability.

Further, in the conventional technology regarding delivering disclosedin Patent Document 4, a roller-like pressing body is brought intopress-contact with the channel provided inside the chip from an uppersurface of the cartridge formed of the elastic member, and the roller ismoved while crushing the channel, to thereby deliver the samplesremaining in the vessel and the channel. However, in the case ofdelivering the samples into the reaction reservoir serving as thesample-delivered side through the channel from the sample reservoirprovided on the chip to serves as the sample-delivering side, when theroller completely crushes the channel, it is impossible to completelydischarge the samples remaining in the channels just before the samplereservoir and the reaction reservoir due to capillary phenomenon causedby surface tension of the sample. As a result, there are problems inthat the sample remains in the channel, and that it is impossible tocompletely deliver the sample remaining in the channel just before thereaction reservoir serving as the delivered side.

Further, in the reaction reservoir as the delivered side, steps ofdelivering, mixing, and disposing of a plurality of samples aregenerally performed. Accordingly, when the sample previously deliveredis not completely disposed of, there is a problem in that the sample tobe delivered later is adversely affected. Still further, in the casewhere a plurality of opening/closing mechanisms are required, a largenumber of rollers are required, and the sample reservoir and thereaction reservoir serving as the packing side and the packed side arerestricted in position. In addition, there is a problem in that themechanism structure is increased in size, complicated, and high-priced.

This invention has been made in view of the problems of theabove-mentioned conventional technologies, and therefore it is an objectof this invention to provide a channel control mechanism which uses asimple mechanism, and in which, in order to prevent mutual contaminationduring delivering, no sample remains even just before a delivered-sidevessel and no sample remains in the channel during discharge of liquid.

Means to Solve the Problems

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to thisinvention, a channel control mechanism for a microchip having alaminated structure formed of members including elastic members,includes: a sample reservoir for packing a sample therein; a reactionreservoir in which mixture and reaction of the sample are performed; anda channel formed in a middle layer of the laminated structure, forbringing the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir intocommunication with each other, the channel control mechanism performingthe reaction and analysis in such a manner that the sample is deliveredinto the reaction reservoir through the channel, in which: apressurizing channel is provided in a layer different from a layer inwhich the channel is formed so that the pressurizing channel partiallyoverlaps the channel; the channel is closed through applying apressurized medium to the pressurizing channel; and the channel isopened through releasing a pressure of the pressurized medium.

Further, according to this invention, there is provided a channelcontrol mechanism for a microchip for performing reaction and analysisof a sample, the microchip including: a first member which has alaminated structure formed of members including stretchable members, andincludes: a sample reservoir for packing the sample therein; a reactionreservoir in which mixture and the reaction of the sample are performed;and a channel formed in a middle layer of the laminated structure, forbringing the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir intocommunication with each other, the first member performing the reactionand the analysis in such a manner that the sample is delivered into thereaction reservoir through the channel; and a second member which has alaminated structure formed of members including stretchable members, andincludes a pressurizing channel, in which: the pressurizing channelpartially overlaps the channel when the first member and the secondmember are superimposed on each other; the channel is closed throughapplying a pressurized medium to the pressurizing channel; and thechannel is opened through releasing a pressure of the pressurizedmedium.

Effect of the Invention

According to this invention, there is structured a closing mechanism inwhich the pressurizing channel crushes the channel from a layer near thechannel formed in the elastic members, and hence it is possible toreliably block the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a sectional perspective view illustrating a structure of adelivering device for a microchip used in this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism structure of themicrochip according to this invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views illustrating an operating state ofthe microchip according to this invention.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are sectional views illustrating an operating state ofthe microchip according to this invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating details of a part of the microchipaccording to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating an operation of the microchipaccording to the embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are plan views illustrating an operation of amicrochip according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are plan views illustrating an operation of amicrochip according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating an operation of a microchipaccording to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a microchipaccording to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a microchipaccording to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a microchipaccording to another embodiment of this invention.

BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

Next, embodiments of this invention are described with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a device whichdelivers a sample and causes the sample to react using a microchip and adelivering method according to this invention, to thereby performanalysis of micro components such as gene analysis.

On a machine casing 1, a table 3 is provided through poles 2. Further,in a table 3, a disposal hole 5 whose periphery is sealed by an O-ring 6is provided. Further, the disposal hole 5 is connected to a disposalreservoir 8 provided onto the machine casing 1 through a disposalsolenoid-controlled valve 7 and a tube 7 a. Further, in an upper surfaceof the table 3, positioning pins 10 a and 10 b corresponding to pinholes 50 a and 50 b provided in a microchip 50 to serve as a guide to apredetermined position are provided in a protruding manner. Further, onthe table 3, through a hinge 9, there is provided, so as to be rotatableto the directions A and B, a cover 20 having a fastening screw 25,pressurizing holes 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, and 22 e which pass throughthe cover 20 and is sealed by an O-ring 26 from the peripheries thereof,shutter pressurizing holes 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, 23 f, and 23 gsealed by O-ring 27 from the peripheries thereof. Further, in one end onthe table 3, a screw hole 4 is provided at a position corresponding tothe fastening screw 25.

Further, the pressurizing holes 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, and 22 e whichare provided while passing through the cover 20 are connected tosecondary sides of pressurizing solenoid-controlled valves 16 a, 16 b,16 c, 16 d, and 16 e through tubes 17. Further, shutter pressurizingholes 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, 23 f, and 23 g are connected tosecondary sides of shutter solenoid-controlled valves 18 a, 18 b, 18 c,18 d, 18 e, 18 f, and 18 g. Further, primary sides of the pressurizingsolenoid-controlled valves 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, and 16 e, and theshutter solenoid-controlled valves 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f,and 18 g are connected to a pressure accumulator 11. To the pressureaccumulator 11, a pump 12 driven by a motor 13 and a pressure sensor 14for detecting inner pressure are connected.

Meanwhile, to a controller 15 for executing a predetermined program,there are connected, so as to be capable of being operationallycontrolled, the pressurizing solenoid-controlled valves 16 a, 16 b, 16c, 16 d, and 16 e, the disposal solenoid-controlled valve 7, and theshutter solenoid-controlled valves 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f,and 18 g. Further, the motor 13 and the pressure sensor 14 areconnected, the motor 13 driving the pump 12 so as to control thepressure in the pressure accumulator 11 to a predetermined pressure, andthe pressure sensor 14 detecting the pressure in the pressureaccumulator 11 to perform feedback. With the above-mentioned structure,due to instructions from the controller 15, the pressure in the pressureaccumulator 11 is constantly kept in a predetermined pressure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating details of the microchip 50according to an embodiment of this invention.

The microchip 50 has a multi-layer structure, in which a main plate 51a, a second plate 51 b (sheet), a third plate 51 c (sheet), and a fourthplate 51 d (sheet), each being made of a flexible resin, are laminatedtogether.

On the microchip 50, there are provided sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b,and 52 c and second reaction reservoirs 53 a, 53 b, and 53 c which passthrough the main plate 51 a and the second plate 51 b to be formed intorecessed shapes. In addition, there are provided a reaction reservoir 52d and an extraction reservoir 52 e which pass through the main plate 51a and the fourth plate 51 d and surround the second plate 51 b and thethird plate 51 c while not passing through the second plate 51 b and thethird plate 51 c. Further, an adsorption member 101, which isrepresented by magnetic beads absorbing micro components, is dry-fixedin the reaction reservoir 52 d. Note that, dry-fixing is described belowwith reference to FIG. 4.

Further, on the microchip 50, there are provided shutter ports 63 a, 63b, 63 c, 63 d, 63 e, 63 f, and 63 g which pass through the main plate 51a, the second plate 51b, and the third plate 51 c to be formed intorecessed shapes. Further, there is provided a disposal hole 90 whichpasses through the second plate 51 b, the third plate 51 c, and thefourth plate 51 d to a downward direction.

Further, when the microchip 50 is installed on the table 3 illustratedin FIG. 1, and the cover 20 is rotated to a B direction, to therebysandwich the microchip 50 between the table 3 and the cover 20 by thefastening screw 25 and the screw hole 4, the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52b, and 52 c, the reaction reservoir 52 d, the extraction reservoir 52 e,and the shutter ports 63 a, 63 b, 63 c, 63 d, 63 e, 63 f, and 63 g areinstalled at positions corresponding to the pressurizing holes 22 a, 22b, and 22 c, the pressurizing hole 22 d, the pressurizing hole 22 e, andthe shutter pressurizing holes 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, 23 f, and23 g, respectively.

Further, the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c, the reactionreservoir 52 d, the extraction reservoirs 52 e, the second reactionreservoir 53 a, 53 b, and 53 c are continuous with each other throughchannels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, and 72 gformed between thesecond plate 51 b and the third plate 51 c. Further, the shutter ports63 a, 63 b, 63 c, 63 d, 63 e, 63 f, and 63 g are continuous with shutterchannels (pressurizing channels) 83 a, 83 b, 83 c, 83 d, 83 e, 83 f, and83 g, respectively, which are formed between the third plate 51 c andthe fourth plate 51 d. Further, leading ends of the shutter channelsextend to below the channels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, and 72g through the third plate 51 c, and are provided so as to partiallyintersect the channels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, and 72 g.

Further, the channels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, and 72 g areformed by, when the second plate 51 b and the third plate 51 cconstituting the channels are bonded to each other, non-bonded portionsfor the channels and by keeping a separable state thereof. Similarly,the shutter channels 83 a, 83 b, 83 c, 83 d, 83 e, 83 f, and 83 g areformed by, when the third plate 51 c and the fourth plate 51 dconstituting the shutter channels are bonded to each other, non-bondedportions for the channels and by keeping the separable state thereof.

Further, similarly, portions situated between the second plate 51 b andthe third plate 51 c in the reaction reservoir 52 d and the extractionreservoir 52 e have substantially the same diameter as that of athrough-hole of the main plate 51 a, and are not subjected to bonding,to thereby be continuous with the channels 72 d, 72 e, and 72 g.Moreover, when a sample is injected in an inside of each of theportions, the portion having the same diameter is swelled to accumulatethe sample.

In addition, after samples 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c are packed in thesample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c, respectively, a film 91 formedof an elastic member is placed to cover the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52b, and 52 c entirely.

An operation of delivering from the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52c is described with reference to FIG. 3. FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectionalviews of the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c.

FIG. 3A illustrates an initial state in which the samples 100 a, 100 b,and 100 c are respectively packed in the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b,and 52 c passing through the main plate 51 a and the second plate 51 bof the microchip 50 and upper portions of the reservoirs are sealed withthe film 91. Moreover, the microchip 50 is sandwiched between the cover20 and the table 3 through the O-rings 26. Further, between the secondplate 51 b and the third plate 51 c formed of elastic membersconstituting the microchip 50, channels 71 a, 71 b, and 71 c formed ofnon-bonded portions are continuous with the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52b, and 52 c. For convenience of description, each of the channels 71 a,71 b, and 71 c is illustrated by a broken line in the figures as a solidportion with a volume. However, in actual fact, the channels 71 a, 71 b,and 71 c are formed of the non-bonded portions in a closed state.

Next, a delivering operation is described with reference to FIG. 3B.When the pressurizing solenoid-controlled valves 16 a, 16 b, and 16 care turned ON from the state illustrated in FIG. 3B based on apreviously-set program of the controller 15 illustrated in FIG. 1, apressurized medium represented by the compressed air is applied to thepressurizing ports 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c of the cover 20. As a result,because peripheries of the pressurizing holes 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c aresealed with the O-rings 26, the pressurized medium, which is appliedfrom the pressurizing ports 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c formed in the cover 20illustrated in FIG. 3B, pushes the film 91 formed of the elastic memberin a D direction, that is, into insides of the sample reservoirs 52 a,52 b, and 52 c, to thereby pressurize the packed samples 100 a, 100 b,and 100 c. In addition, the pressurized samples 100 a, 100 b, and 100 cflow out in an E direction while expanding the channels 71 a, 71 b, and71 c which are opened on the program and are formed between the secondplate 51 b and the third plate 51 c.

Next, a delivering operation to the reaction reservoir 52 d and theextraction reservoir 52 e and an extraction operation are described withreference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4A is a sectional view illustrating a statebefore injection to the reaction reservoir 52 d and the extractionreservoir 52 e.

The microchip 50 is sandwiched between the O-rings 26 of the cover 20and the table 3. In the reaction reservoir 52 d and the extractionreservoir 52 e, the main plate 51 a and the fourth plate 51 dconstituting the microchip 50 are in the form of the through-hole, andeach of the second plate 51 b and the third plate 51 c surrounded inmiddle portions includes the non-bonded portion having substantially thesame diameter as that of each of the reaction reservoir 52 d and theextraction reservoir 52 e. In addition, each end of the non-bondedportion is continuous with the channels 72 d and 72 e, or the channels72 e and 72 g. Further, the adsorption member 101 is dry-fixed in theinside of the reaction reservoir 52 d.

Next, a flowing-out operation from the reaction reservoir 52 d and theextraction reservoir 52 e is described with reference to FIG. 4B.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the samples 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c aredelivered into the channels 72 d and 72 e from the E direction. Inaddition, based on the previously-set program, the channels 72 e and 72g on an outflow side are closed, and a pressure of the pressurizedmedium represented by the air is released with respect to thepressurizing ports 22 d and 22 e. As a result, while swelling the secondplate 51 b and the third plate 51 c into a balloon shape, the samples100 a, 100 b, and 100 c are delivered into the non-bonded portions whichare formed of the second plate 51 b and the third plate 51 c and havethe same diameter as that of each of the reaction reservoir 52 d and theextraction reservoir 52 e.

Next, a delivering operation from the reaction reservoir 52 d and theextraction reservoir 52 e is described with reference to FIG. 4C.

When the pressurized medium represented by the air is applied from thepressurizing ports 22 d and 22 e in the cover 20 from theabove-mentioned state illustrated in FIG. 4B, and the inflow channels 72d and 72 e are closed and the outflow channels 72 e and 72 g are opened,the samples 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c packed in the non-bonded portions ofthe second plate 51 b and the third plate 51 c swelled into a balloonshape are pressurized, to thereby be discharged in an F directionthrough the outflow channels 72 e and 72 g.

With the above-mentioned structure, based on the previously-set programin the controller 15, the pressure of the pressurized medium representedby the air inside the pressure accumulator 11 is sequentially applied tothe pressurizing holes 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, and 22 e and the shutterpressurizing holes 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, 23 f, and 23 g of thecover 20 through the pressurizing solenoid-controlled valves 16 a, 16 b,16 c, 16 d, and 16 e, the disposal solenoid-controlled valve 7, and theshutter solenoid-controlled valves 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e, 18 f,and 18 g.

As a result, in the microchip 50, the pressure of the pressurized mediumrepresented by the air is sequentially applied to upper portions of thesample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c, the reaction reservoir 52 d, andthe extraction reservoir 52 e based on a program operation. In addition,similarly, the pressurized medium represented by the air is sequentiallyapplied to the shutter ports 63 a, 63 b, 63 c, 63 d, 63 e, 63 f, and 63g based on the program operation. In other words, throughopening/closing desired channels and through applying the pressurizedmedium to the upper portions of the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52c, the reaction reservoir 52 d, and the extraction reservoir 52 e basedon the program, it is possible to deliver the samples 100 a, 100 b, and100 c into the reaction reservoir 52 d, the extraction reservoir 52 e,and the second reaction reservoirs 53 a, 53 b, and 53 c, and to disposeof the samples to the outside through the disposal hole 90.

Next, a detailed structure and a detailed operation of the microchipaccording to this invention are described with reference to FIGS. 5 to20. Here, FIGS. 5 to 20 are plan views illustrating a part of themicrochip. Note that, for convenience of description, the channels areillustrated by solid lines, and the shutter channels are illustrated bybroken lines.

FIG. 5 illustrates an initial state of the microchip 50. As illustratedin FIG. 3A, the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c on the microchip50 are packed with the samples 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c, respectively,and the upper portions of the sample reservoirs are covered with thefilm 91 formed of the elastic member. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each ofthe reaction reservoir 52 d and the extraction reservoir 52 e is in theform of a balloon, and the adsorption member 101 absorbing microcomponents is fixed in the reaction reservoir 52 d.

Further, the sample reservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c are continuous withthe reaction reservoir 52 d by the channels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, and 72 dthrough an intersecting portion C having a part of a common region.Further, the reaction reservoir 52 d is continuous with the extractionreservoir 52 e and the disposal hole 90 under a state in which thechannels 72 e and 72 f are branched.

Still further, the shutter channels 83 a, 83 b, and 83 c are continuouswith the shutter ports 63 a, 63 b, and 63 c, respectively. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, one end of each of the shutter channels 83 a, 83b, and 83 c extends to below the channel 72 a, 72 b, or 72 c, and isprovided while overlapping a part of the common region at theintersecting portion C. In addition, the U-shaped shutter channel 83 dis continuous with the shutter port 63 d, and one end of the shutterchannel 83 d extends to below the channels 72 e and 72 f in anoverlapping state to reach a halfway point of the channel 72 f.

Moreover, the shutter channel 83 e is continuous with the shutter port63 e, and one end of the shutter channel 83 e extends to below thechannel 72 f to extend to between a vicinity of a trailing end of theshutter channel 83 d and the disposal hole 90. Further, the shutterchannel 83 f is continuous with the shutter port 63 f, and one end ofthe shutter channel 83 f extends to below the channel 72 e in anoverlapping state to extend to a vicinity of the extraction reservoir 52e. Further, the channel 72 g is continuous with the extraction reservoir52 e, and is continuous with the second reaction reservoirs 53 a, 53 b,and 53 c illustrated in FIG. 2.

In an initial stage illustrated in FIG. 5, based on an instruction fromthe controller 15 which is illustrated in FIG. 1 and executes theprogram, the pressurized medium is not applied to the pressurizing holes22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, and 22 e and the shutter pressurizing holes 23a, 23 b, 23 c, 23 d, 23 e, 23 f, and 23 g. In other words, thepressurized medium is not applied to the upper portions of the samplereservoirs 52 a, 52 b, and 52 c, the reaction reservoir 52 d, and theextraction reservoir 52 e and the shutter ports 63 a, 63 b, 63 c, 63 d,63 e, 63 f, and 63 g of the microchip 50 illustrated in FIG. 5.

Next, an operation in a first stage is described with reference to FIG.6. The operation in the first stage is a step of delivering the sample100 a packed in the sample reservoir 52 a into the reaction reservoir 52d. From the initial stage illustrated in FIG. 5, the pressurized mediumis applied to the shutter ports 63 b, 63 c, 63 d, 63 e, and 63 f. As aresult, the pressurized medium is guided to the shutter channels 83 b,83 c, 83 d, 83 e, and 83 f to deform the elastic member, to therebyclose the channels 72 b, 72 c, 72 e, and 72 f. Then, when being appliedwith the pressurized medium from the upper portion of the samplereservoir 52 a, the inside sample 100 a is delivered through the film 91as illustrated in FIG. 3. At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 4, thesample 100 a is delivered in a G direction, that is, into the reactionreservoir 52 d through the channel 72 a which is exclusively opened.

Next, an operation in a second stage is described with reference to FIG.7. The operation in the second stage is a step of delivering, into thereaction reservoir 52 a, the sample 100 a delivered into the channel 72a to remain therein. When the pressurized medium is applied to theshutter port 63 a from the state illustrated in FIG. 6, the pressurizedmedium is guided to the shutter channel 83 a to be guided to below thechannel 72 a, and deforms the elastic member, to thereby squeeze, in theG direction, the sample 100 a remaining in the portion of the channel 72a overlapping the shutter channel 83 a. As a result, the sample 100 aremaining in the channel 72 a is further packed in the reactionreservoir 52 d. Meanwhile, in the reaction reservoir 52 d, microcomponents contained in the sample 100 a come into contact with theadsorption member 101 to be absorbed.

Next, an operation in a third stage is described with reference to FIG.8. The operation in the third stage is a step of disposing of the sample100 a packed in the reaction reservoir 52 d. After canceling applicationof the pressurized medium applied to the shutter ports 63 d and 63 efrom the state of the second stage illustrated in FIG. 7, thepressurized medium is applied from the upper portion of the reactionreservoir 52 d. As a result, the channels 72 e and 72 f are opened.Further, the inflow channel into the extraction reservoir 52 e has beenalready closed by the shutter channel 83 f. In addition, as illustratedin FIG. 4, the sample 100 a packed in the reaction reservoir 52 a isdelivered into the channels 72 e and 72 f which are exclusively opened,that is, in an H direction, and hence the sample 100 a is disposed ofthrough the disposal hole 90.

Next, an operation in a fourth stage is described with reference to FIG.9. The operation in the fourth stage is a step of disposing of thesample 100 a which is delivered into parts of the channels 72 e and 72 fto remain therein. When the pressurized medium is applied to the shutterport 63 d from the state of the third stage illustrated in FIG. 8, thepressurized medium is guided to the shutter channel 83 d, to therebysqueeze and dispose of the sample 100 a remaining in the portions of thechannels 72 e and 72 f overlapping the shutter channel 83 d in the Hdirection, that is, toward the disposal hole 90.

Next, an operation in a fifth stage is described with reference to FIG.10. The operation in the fifth stage is a step of delivering the sample100 b packed in the sample reservoir 52 b into the reaction reservoir 52d, delivering the sample 100 a remaining in the intersecting portion Cnear the reaction reservoir 52 d and the channels 72 d and 72 e into avicinity of the disposal hole, and cleaning components other thandesired micro components by the sample 100 b. From the state of thefourth stage illustrated in FIG. 9, the pressurized medium is applied tothe shutter port 63 e, and application of the pressurized medium appliedto the reaction reservoir 52 d and the shutter port 63 d is canceled.Then, the pressurized medium is applied from the upper portion of thesample reservoir 52 b. As a result, the sample 100 b packed in thesample reservoir 52 b is guided in an I direction, and is delivered intothe reaction reservoir 52 d through the channel 72 b, the intersectingportion C, and the channel 72 d, to thereby be delivered into a halfwaypoint of the channel 72 f closed by the channel 72 e and the shutterchannel 83 e. At this time, the sample 100 a remaining in a vicinity ofthe reaction reservoir 52 d as illustrated in FIG. 9 is delivered in theH direction into the channel 72 f near the shutter channel 83 e.

Next, an operation in a sixth stage is described with reference to FIG.11. The operation in the sixth stage is a step of disposing of thesample 100 a and the sample 100 b remaining in the channels 72 e and 72f. After canceling application of the pressurized medium applied to theshutter port 63 e from the state of the fifth stage illustrated in FIG.10, the pressurized medium is applied to the shutter port 63 d. As aresult, the shutter channel 83 d is sequentially swelled, and hence thesample 100 a and the sample 100 b remaining in the channels 72 e and 72f are delivered in the H direction to be disposed of through thedisposal hole 90. As a result, only the sample 100 b remains invicinities of the reaction reservoir 52 d and the intersecting portionC. Further, at this time, the desired micro components are absorbed bythe adsorption member 101 in the reaction reservoir 52 d, and microcomponents other than the desired ones are disposed of, that is,cleaned.

Next, an operation in a seventh stage is described with reference toFIG. 12. The operation in the seventh stage is a step of disposing ofthe sample 100 b packed in the reaction reservoir 52 d in the form of aballoon. After canceling application of the pressurized medium appliedto the shutter port 63 d from the state of the sixth stage illustratedin FIG. 11, the pressurized medium is pressurized and applied from theupper portion of the reaction reservoir 52 d. As a result, the sample100 b packed in the reaction reservoir 52 d is delivered in the Hdirection into the channels 72 e and 72 f which are exclusively opened,and a part of the sample 100 b is disposed of through the disposal hole90. In other words, the sample 100 b in the reaction reservoir 52 d isdisposed of.

Next, an operation in an eighth stage is described with reference toFIG. 13. The operation in the eighth stage is a step of disposing of thesample 100 b remaining in the channels 72 e and 72 f. The pressurizedmedium is applied to the shutter port 63 d from the state of the seventhstage illustrated in FIG. 12. As a result, the shutter channel 83 d issequentially swelled, and hence the sample 100 b remaining in thechannels 72 e and 72 f is delivered in the H direction to be disposed ofthrough the disposal hole 90. Further, a part of the sample 100 bremains in the intersecting portion C.

Next, an operation in a ninth stage is described with reference to FIG.14. The operation in the ninth stage is a step of delivering the sample100 c packed in the sample reservoir 52 c into the reaction reservoir 52d. From the state of the eighth stage illustrated in FIG. 13,application of the pressurized medium applied to the shutter port 63 cis canceled and the shutter channel 83 c is opened, and then thepressurized medium is applied to the upper portion of the samplereservoir 52 c. As a result, the sample 100 c is delivered in a Jdirection, and is packed into the inside of the reaction reservoir 52 dwhile swelling the reaction reservoir 52 d into a balloon shape. At thistime, a part of the sample 100 b remaining in the intersecting portion Cis squeezed into one end of the channel 72 e continuous with thereaction reservoir 52 d.

Next, an operation in a tenth stage is described with reference to FIG.15. The operation in the tenth stage is a step of squeezing anddelivering the sample 100 c remaining in the channel 72 c into thereaction reservoir 52 d. When the pressurized medium is applied to theshutter port 63 c from the state of the ninth stage illustrated in FIG.14, the shutter channel 83 c is swelled, and the sample 100 c remainingin the portion of the channel 72 c overlapping the shutter channel 83 cis squeezed in the J direction. As a result, the sample 100 c isdelivered into the reaction reservoir 52 d.

Next, an operation in an eleventh stage is described with reference toFIG. 16. The operation in the eleventh stage is a step of delivering,into the channel 72 f, a part of the sample 100 b delivered into the oneend of the channel 72 e in the tenth stage to remain therein and thesample 100 c. When canceling application of the pressurized mediumapplied to the shutter port 63 d from the state of the tenth stageillustrated in FIG. 15, the shutter channel 83 d opens the channel 72 e.At this time, the inside of the reaction reservoir 52 d is swelled intoa balloon shape and has an internal pressure, and hence the insidesample 100 c is guided in the H direction into the channels 72 e and 72f. At this time, the sample 100 b remaining in a vicinity of thereaction reservoir 52 d in the tenth stage is delivered into a vicinityof a portion of the channel 72 f closed by the shutter channel 83 e.

Next, an operation in a twelfth stage is described with reference toFIG. 17. The operation in the twelfth stage is a step of disposing ofthe samples 100 b and 100 c remaining in the channels 72 e and 72 f.When the pressurized medium is applied to the shutter port 63 d from thestate of the eleventh stage illustrated in FIG. 16, the shutter channel83 d is swelled, and the sample 100 c remaining in the channels 72 e and72 f is squeezed in the H direction. As a result, parts of the samples100 b and 100 c remain in the channel 72 f, and the other parts aredisposed of through the disposal hole 90. In other words, in thereaction reservoir 52 d, only the sample 100 c is accumulated, and thedesired micro components absorbed by the adsorption member 101 aredissolved.

Next, an operation in a thirteenth stage is described with reference toFIG. 18. The operation in the thirteenth stage is a step of delivering,into the extraction reservoir 52 e, the sample 100 c which isaccumulated in the reaction reservoir 52 d and contains the dissolvedmicro components. Application of the pressurized medium applied to theshutter ports 63 d and 63 f is canceled from the state of the twelfthstage illustrated in FIG. 17, and thus the shutter channels 83 d and 83f open the channel 72 e. Then, the pressurized medium is applied fromthe upper portion of the reaction reservoir 52 d. As a result, thesample 100 c inside the reaction reservoir 52 d is delivered in a Kdirection into the channel 72 e which is exclusively opened. Further,the pressurized medium is applied to the shutter port 63 g illustratedin FIG. 2, and the shutter channel 83 g is swelled, to thereby close thechannel 72 g. The sample 100 c delivered in the K direction swells theextraction reservoir 52 e into a balloon shape, and is packed in theextraction reservoir 52 e.

Next, an operation in a fourteenth stage is described with reference toFIG. 19. The operation in the fourteenth stage is a step of deliveringthe sample 100 c remaining in the channel 72 e into the extractionreservoir 52 e by the shutter channel 83 d. When the pressurized mediumis applied to the shutter port 63 d from the state of the thirteenthstage illustrated in FIG. 18, the shutter channel 83 d is swelled, andthe sample 100 c remaining in the portion of the channel 72 eoverlapping the shutter channel 83 d is squeezed in the K direction, tothereby be delivered into the extraction reservoir 52 e through thechannel 72 e which is exclusively opened.

Next, an operation in a fifteenth stage is described with reference toFIG. 20. The operation in the fifteenth stage is a step of furtherdelivering the sample 100 c remaining in the channel 72 e near theextraction reservoir 52 e into the extraction reservoir 52 e and ofclosing the extraction reservoir 52 e. When the pressurized medium isapplied to the shutter port 63 f from the operation in the fourteenthstage illustrated in FIG. 19, the shutter channel 83 f is swelled, andhence the sample 100 c remaining in the channel 72 e near the extractionreservoir 52 e is squeezed in the K direction to be delivered into theextraction reservoir 52 e. Further, the channel 72 g continuous with theextraction reservoir 52 e is closed in the previous step, and hence thesample 100 c packed in the extraction reservoir 52 e is sealed. Inaddition, as described in each step, the sample 100 c which is packed inthe extraction reservoir 52 e and contains the dissolved and desiredmicro components does not include the samples 100 a and 100 b adverselyaffecting analysis. In other words, the sample 100 c packed in theextraction reservoir 52 e allows highly reliable analysis. Further, thesample 100 c packed in the extraction reservoir 52 e is furtherdelivered into the second reaction reservoirs 53 a, 53 b, and 53 cthrough driving a similar structure as illustrated in FIG. 2, and then asubsequent process such as DNA amplification is performed.

In the description of this embodiment, the number of the samplereservoirs is set to three, the number of the reaction reservoir is setto one, the number of the extraction reservoir is set to one, and thenumber of the second sample reservoirs is set to three. However, thesame effect is provided also in the case of adopting a deliveringmechanism having the same functions of channels and shutter channels.That is, the number of reservoirs is not limited.

Further, a circular common region is provided in the intersectingportion C of the channels 72 a, 72 b, and 72 c illustrated in FIG. 6,and parts of leading end portions of the shutter channels 83 a, 83 b,and 83 c are provided to enter the common region. Thus, there isobtained a structure in which the samples are less likely to remain inthe intersecting portion C. In other words, a shutter function can beexerted just before the point where the channels intersect. As a result,it is possible to prevent the samples from remaining in a vicinity ofthe intersecting portion C, and cleaning efficiency of the samples to bedelivered is remarkably increased.

Further, the common region C with a circular shape is described in theabove-mentioned embodiment. However, the same effect is provided also inthe case of adopting the intersecting portion having a common regionwith an elliptic shape, a rhombic shape, or the like. That is, the shapeof the common region is not limited.

Next, another embodiment according to this invention is described withreference to FIG. 21A. FIG. 21A is a plan view illustrating a part of amicrochip 250.

Similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, a sample reservoir 252 anda reaction reservoir 252 d are provided on the microchip 250, and achannel 272 is continuous with the reaction reservoir 252 d through theintersecting portion C in which the channel 272 intersects anotherchannels. Similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, a channel 283 bis continuous with a shutter port 263 b while being provided to a layerdifferent from a layer provided with the channel 272, and one end of thechannel 283 b is provided while partially overlapping the channel 272 ina length direction and extending below the channel 272 and is guided tothe inside of the intersecting portion C. Moreover, a channel 283 c iscontinuous with a shutter port 263 c while being provided to a layerdifferent from the layer provided with the channel 272 and the layerprovided with the channel 283 b, and one end of the channel 283 c isprovided while partially overlapping the channel 272 in the lengthdirection and extending below the channel 272 and is guided to theinside of the intersecting portion C. The channel 283 c and the channel283 b press the channel 272 forward, and hence it is possible to closethe channel 272, and to squeeze the sample remaining in the channel 272.

Next, another embodiment according to this invention is described withreference to FIG. 21B. FIG. 21B is a plan view illustrating a part ofthe microchip 250.

Similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, the sample reservoir 252and the reaction reservoir 252 d are provided on the microchip 250, andthe channel 272 is continuous with the reaction reservoir 252 d throughthe intersecting portion C in which the channel 272 intersects anotherchannels. Further, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the channel283 c is continuous with the shutter port 263 c while being provided toa layer different from the layer provided with the channel 272, and oneend of the channel 283 c is provided while overlapping the channelbetween the intersecting portion C and the reaction reservoir 252 d.Through pressing the channel 283 c forward, it is possible to close thechannel between the intersecting portion C of the channel 272 and thereaction reservoir 252 d, and to squeeze the sample remaining in thechannel 272. Further, through increasing the number of channelscontinuous with the shutter port owing to an increase of layers forchannels continuous with the shutter port, etc., it is possible tosqueeze all of the sample remaining in the channel through which thesample passes.

Further, the shutter port 263 c is provided in the microchip 250, andthe channel 283 c is continuous with the shutter port 263 c. Inaddition, the shutter channel 283 c is provided to an upper layerdifferent from the layer provided with the channel 272, and one end ofthe channel 283 c is provided while partially overlapping the channel272 in the length direction and extending above the channel 272 and isguided to the inside of the intersecting portion C. In other words,unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the channel 272 is sandwichedbetween the shutter channels 283 b and 283 c.

With the above-mentioned structure, when the pressurized medium isapplied to the shutter ports 263 b and 263 c simultaneously, the shutterchannels 283 b and 283 c compress the channel 272 from the upper layerand the lower layer. Thus, in comparison with the structure illustratedin FIG. 5, a function of closing the channels and a function ofsqueezing are remarkably improved. That is, in the microchip having alaminated structure formed of elastic members, it is not alwaysnecessary that one shutter channel corresponds to one channel serving asan object to be controlled. Also in the case where a plurality ofshutter channels correspond to one channel, the same or higher functionis obtained.

Next, another embodiment according to this invention is described withreference to FIG. 22. FIGS. 22A and 22B are sectional views of amicrochip 350.

The microchip 350 has a laminated structure including a main plate 351a, a second plate 351 b, a third plate 351 c, and a fourth plate 351 dwhich are each formed of an elastic member. A channel 372 has a microlinear shape, and is constituted by a channel portion in a non-bondedstate between the third plate 351 c and the fourth plate 351 d. Further,a shutter channel 383 has a micro linear shape, and is constituted by achannel portion in a non-bonded state between the second plate 351 b andthe third plate 351 c. For convenience of description, FIG. 22illustrate the channels as if each of the channels has a volume.However, the actual volume is next to zero. Further, in a table 303 onwhich the microchip 350 is mounted, a dented portion 303 a with arecessed shape is provided at a position corresponding to anintersecting portion of the channel 372 and the shutter channel 383.

Next, an operation of the dented portion 303 a is described withreference to FIG. 22B. Under the device structure illustrated in FIG.22A, when the pressurized medium is applied to the shutter channel 383,the shutter channel 383 deforms the main plate 351 a, the second plate351 b, the third plate 351 c, and the fourth plate 351 d which are eachformed of the elastic member. At this time, the third plate 351 c andthe fourth plate 351 d are deformed downward together with the channel372 formed between the third plate 351 c and the fourth plate 351 d, andare swelled in a protruding manner toward the inside of the dentedportion 303 a. As a result, the channel 372 is brought intopress-contact with a periphery of the dented portion 303 a, and isclosed firmly. That is, with provision of the dented portion in thetable 303, a function of closing the channel is improved.

The case of providing the dented portion 303 a is described withreference to FIGS. 22A and 22B. However, the same effect is providedalso in the case of providing a hole portion in the microchip orlaminating a separate microchip provided with a hole portion. That is,no limitation is imposed on the shape.

Next, another embodiment according to this invention is described withreference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating a part of amicrochip 450.

In the same manner as that illustrated in FIG. 3( a), sample reservoirs452 a, 452 b, and 452 c on the microchip 450 are packed with the samples100 a, 100 b, and 100 c, respectively, and upper portions of the samplereservoirs are covered with a film 491. Further, in the same manner asthat illustrated in FIG. 4, a reaction reservoir 452 d is in the form ofa balloon. Moreover, channels 472 a and 472 b are continuous with thesample reservoirs 452 a and 452 b, respectively, and one end of each ofthe channels 472 a and 472 b is continuous with the reaction reservoir452 d through an intersecting portion N. Further, one end of a channel472 c is continuous with the sample reservoir 452 c, and the other endthereof is continuous directly with the reaction reservoir 452 d.

In addition, shutter ports 463 a, 463 b, and 463 c having the samestructures as those of the shutter ports 63 a, 63 b, and 63 cillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 are provided in the microchip 450. Shutterchannels 483 a, 483 b, and 483 c are continuous with the shutter ports463 a, 463 b, and 463 c, respectively. In the same manner as thatillustrated in FIG. 2, one end of each of the shutter channels 483 a,483 b, and 483 c is provided while extending below the channels 472 a,472 b, and 472 c, respectively.

With the above-mentioned structure, similarly to the microchip 50illustrated in FIG. 5, the samples 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c packed in thesample reservoirs 452 a, 452 b, and 452 c are sequentially deliveredinto the reaction reservoir 452 d in the same manner as that illustratedin FIG. 5. In this case, the channel 472 c and a channel group includingthe channels 472 a and 472 b are independently continuous with thereaction reservoir 452 d, and hence the sample 100 a adversely affectinganalysis of the sample 100 c does not contaminate the channel 472 c forthe sample 100 c. Moreover, for the sample 100 c to be injected into thereaction reservoir 452 d, the inside of the reaction reservoir 452 d iscleaned by the sample 100 b which is delivered after the sample 100 aand has a cleaning function. In other words, the sample 100 c and thesample 100 a are not mixed with each other before being introduced intothe reaction reservoir 452 d, and thus no mutual contamination occurs.In addition, at least one of the sample reservoirs 452 a, 452 b, and 452c is packed with a sample for stabilizing the channels at an initialstage, and the sample is delivered at the initial stage or a desiredstep to separate the non-bonded portions of the channels of themicrochip, to thereby enable to achieve stabilization.

Further, at least one of the sample reservoirs 452 a, 452 b, and 452 cis packed with a sample which stabilizes the channels and does notadversely affect another samples, and the sample is delivered at theinitial stage or the desired step to be packed into the points justbefore the sample reservoirs and the reaction reservoir of the microchipand narrow portions between the channels owing to capillary phenomenon.In this way, the samples to be used in respective steps are preventedfrom entering the narrow portions of the microchip, and hence it ispossible to prevent mixture of the samples before introduction into thereaction reservoir 452 d, and to eliminate the mutual contamination.

As a result, mixture of the samples causing the mutual contamination isprevented, and accuracy in analyzing the micro components is increased.In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the number ofthe sample reservoirs is three is described. However, channels forsamples, in which the mutual contamination occurs, are independentlyprovided, and thus the same effect is provided also in the case wherethe number of the sample reservoirs is plural. That is, the number ofthe sample reservoirs is not limited.

As described above, in the channel control mechanism for a microchipaccording to each of the embodiments of this invention, a channelopening/closing mechanism has the following structure. Specifically, thechannel opening/closing mechanism partially intersects a sample channelwhich is formed in the microchip to be sealed by the elastic members,and a pressurizing channel is provided to a layer different from a layerprovided with the channel. When the pressurized medium is applied to thepressurizing channel, the pressurizing channel is brought intopress-contact with the channel at the intersecting portion, to therebyclose the channel.

Under this structure, the pressurizing channel serves as a closingmechanism for pressing the channel from the layer near the channelformed and sealed in the elastic members. Thus, it is possible toreliably block the channel.

Further, the delivering channels, which are continuous with the reactionreservoir as a delivered side and through which samples are sequentiallyand concentratedly delivered from a plurality of sample reservoirs as adelivering side, are constituted by channels independent for each samplegroup which adversely affects analysis when being mixed with anothersample group. The delivering channels have a channel structure ofpreventing, during sequent deliver, contamination caused by the sampleremaining in the channel and bringing adverse effect and of avoiding theadverse effect on analysis.

Under this structure, through separating the inflow channels throughwhich the samples adversely affecting each other are delivered into thereaction reservoir, the samples are not delivered through overlappingchannels, and hence reliability of analysis is increased.

Further, as a mechanism for squeezing the sample remaining in thechannel, the following mechanism is adopted. Specifically, in themechanism, the pressurizing channel and the channel, which are providedto different layers, overlap each other at an overlapping portion in alength direction of the channel through a film of the elastic member.When the pressurized medium is applied to the pressurizing channel, thepressurizing channel closes the channel, and sequentially squeezes thesample remaining in the channel along with forward swelling of theoverlapping portion.

Under this structure, the channel and the pressurizing channel formedand sealed in the elastic members overlap each other at the overlappingportion in the length direction of the channel, and exert the functionof squeezing the sample in the channel. As a result, the sampleremaining in the channel is delivered into the delivered side and thesample reservoirs as the delivering side, and hence the sample does notremain in the channel. Thus, it is possible to prevent contaminationcaused by the sample to be delivered through the same channel in a nextstep, to thereby increase reliability of analysis. In addition, thesample remaining in the channel can be used after being squeezed, andhence it is possible to save an expensive sample, that is, to reduceanalysis cost.

Further, at the intersecting portion of the plurality of channels, oneend of the pressurizing channel for closing/opening each of the channelsis protruded in the intersecting portion. Thus, when another channel isopened in the intersecting portion and the sample is delivered therein,the sample is prevented from contaminating the inside of the channelclosed by the pressurizing channel, and the sample is prevented fromremaining in the intersecting portion.

Under this structure, at the position where the plurality of channelsintersect, the pressurizing channel for closing each of the channelsoverlaps a part of the intersecting portion to be protruded in theintersecting portion, and thus the sample, which is being delivered intothe channel other than the channel closed in the intersecting portion,does not flow into a vicinity of the intersecting portion of the closedchannel. Therefore, the channel is reliably cleaned when a cleaningsample is delivered into the intersecting portion, contamination causedby mixture of the samples is avoided, and reliability of analysis isincreased.

Further, the channel opening/closing mechanism has the followingstructure. Specifically, the channel opening/closing mechanism partiallyintersects the sample channel which is formed in the microchip to besealed by the elastic members. Moreover, the pressurizing channel isprovided to a layer different from the layer in which the channel isformed, and a hole portion or a recessed portion is provided in themicrochip or a member for sandwiching the microchip at a positioncorresponding to the intersecting portion of the channel. When thepressurized medium is applied to the pressurizing channel, the channelformed of the elastic members is deformed at the intersecting portion,and is deformed to enter the hole portion or the recessed portion, tothereby sandwich and close the channel at an edge portion of the holeportion or the recessed portion.

Under this structure, in the structure in which the pressurized mediumis applied to the pressurizing channel and thus the elastic members aredeformed to close the channel in a press-contact state, the channel isdeformed to enter the hole portion or the recessed portion, to therebyincrease the closing function. As a result, the pressure of thepressurized medium is reduced, and energy saving is achieved. Inaddition, another samples are prevented from entering, and hencereliability of analysis is increased.

Further, for a method of injecting the sample, the following structureis adopted. Specifically, at least one of the plurality of samplereservoirs as the delivering side is packed with a sample or a cleaningsample for preparing the states of the sample reservoirs as thedelivering side and the states of the channels, and the sample isdelivered at the beginning of the delivering step or during the desiredstep.

Under this structure, the cleaning or channel-stabilizing sample packedin the at least one of the sample reservoirs is delivered into thechannel in the microchip at an initial stage of analysis or at thenecessary time. Thus, the delivering mechanism changes the sampleremaining in the channel into the sample not adversely affectinganalysis in the post-steps, removes the sample remaining and bringingadverse effect, and stabilizes the state of the channel, to therebyincrease reliability of analysis.

As described above, according to the channel control mechanism for amicrochip according to each of the embodiments of this invention, it ispossible to squeeze and analyze the sample remaining in the channel, andhence an expensive sample is saved.

Further, according to the channel opening/closing mechanism for amicrochip as described above, it is possible to reliably close thechannels involved in delivering the samples, and thus the samples arenot mixed with each other. As a result, it is possible to avoiddeterioration of analyzing accuracy caused by the mutual contamination,and to remarkably increase reliability of analysis.

Still further, according to the channel opening/closing mechanism for amicrochip as described above, it is possible to achieve simple control,a reduction in size and weight of the device, energy saving, andprovision of an inexpensive device.

Next, another embodiment of this invention is described with referenceto FIG. 24. FIG. 24 illustrates a structure in which the microchip 50illustrated in FIG. 2 is separated into a chip body 501 and a shutterunit 601.

The chip body 501 has a multi-layer structure, and has a laminatedstructure formed of a main plate 551 a and a second plate 551 b which ismade of a stretchable resin. The chip body 501 includes shutter ports563 a, 563 b, 563 c, 563 d, 563 e, 563 f, and 563 g passing through themain plate 551 a and the second plate 551 b. In addition, the chip body501 includes a chip disposal hole 590 passing through the second plate551 b downward. Another structure is the same as that of the microchip50 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Meanwhile, the shutter unit 601 has a laminated structure formed of afirst shutter plate 651 c made of a stretchable resin and a secondshutter plate 651 d. In addition, the shutter unit 601 includes shutterports 663 a, 663 b, 663 c, 663 d, 663 e, 663 f, and 663 g passingthrough the first shutter plate 651 c. Further, shutter channels 683 a,683 b, 683 c, 683 d, 683 e, 683 f, and 683 g each having an opened endare connected with the shutter ports 663 a, 663 b, 663 c, 663 d, 663 e,663 f, and 663 g, respectively. Further, a chip disposal hole 690 isformed to pass through the first shutter plate 651 c and the secondshutter plate 651 d. When the chip body 501 and the shutter unit 601 aresuperimposed on each other, the shutter ports 563 a, 563 b, 563 c, 563d, 563 e, 563 f, and 563 g correspond in position to the shutter ports663 a, 663 b, 663 c, 663 d, 663 e, 663 f, and 663 g, respectively, andthe chip disposal hole 590 corresponds in position to the chip disposalhole 690.

The shutter channels 683 a, 683 b, 683 c, 683 d, 683 e, 683 f, and 683 gare provided between the first shutter plate 651 c and the secondshutter plate 651 d, and are formed of non-bonded portions. Further,when the pressurized medium is applied from each of the shutter ports663 a, 663 b, 663 c, 663 d, 663 e, 663 f, and 663 g, the medium flowsinto each of the shutter channels to swell each of the shutter channelsinto a balloon shape between the first shutter plate 651 c and thesecond shutter plate 651 d.

With the above-mentioned structure, when, after being superimposed oneach other, the chip body 501 and the shutter unit 601 are mounted ontothe device illustrated in FIG. 1 and are sandwiched between the table 3and the cover 20, the chip body 501 and the shutter unit 601 exert thesame function as that of the microchip 50 illustrated in FIG. 2. Inother words, it is possible to separately place the shutter portion ofthe microchip 50 as in the case of the shutter unit 601, and thus astructure of a chip main body is simplified.

In addition, another embodiment of this invention is described withreference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 illustrates a structure in which themicrochip 50 illustrated in FIG. 2 is separated into a chip body 750 anda shutter unit 801.

The chip body 750 has a multi-layer structure, and has a laminatedstructure formed of a main plate 751 a and a second plate 751 b and athird plate 751 c which are made of a stretchable resin. The chip body750 includes shutter ports 763 a, 763 b, and 763 c passing through themain plate 751 a, the second plate 751 b, and the third plate 751 c. Inaddition, the chip body 750 includes a chip disposal hole 790 passingthrough the second plate 751 b and the third plate 751 c downward.

In addition, the chip body 750 includes shutter ports 763 d, 763 e, 763f, and 763 g passing through the main plate 751 a and the second plate751 b. Further, shutter channels 783 d, 783 e, 783 f, and 783 g formedof non-bonded portions are provided between the main plate 751 a and thesecond plate 751 b, and one end of each of the shutter channels iscontinuous with/opened to each of the shutter ports 763 d, 763 e, 763 f,and 763 g.

Further, the channels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 73 d, 73 d, 73 e, 73 f, and 73 gillustrated in FIG. 2 are provided in a non-bonded state between thesecond plate 751 b and the third plate 751 c illustrated in FIG. 25. Inother words, the shutter channels 783 d, 783 e, 783 f, and 783 gintersect the channels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 73 d, 73 d, 73 e, 73 f, and 73g through the second plate 751 b.

In addition, the shutter unit 801 has a laminated structure formed of afirst shutter plate 851 c and a second shutter plate 851 d formed ofelastic members, and shutter channels 883 a, 883 b, 883 c, 883 d, 883 e,883 f, and 883 g are provided in a partially non-bonded state betweenthe first shutter plate 851 c and the second shutter plate 851 d.Further, shutter ports 863 a, 863 b, and 863 c passing through the firstshutter plate 851 c and shutter ports 863 d, 863 e, 863 f, and 863 gpassing through the second shutter plate 851 d downward are provided. Inaddition, one end of each of the shutter channels 883 a, 883 b, 883 c,883 d, 883 e, 883 f, and 883 g is continuous with/opened to each of theshutter ports 863 a, 863 b, 863 c, 863 d, 863 e, 863 f, and 863 g. Inother words, when the pressurized medium is applied to each of theshutter ports 863 a, 863 b, 863 c, 863 d, 863 e, 863 f, and 863 g, eachof the shutter channels 883 a, 883 b, 883 c, 883 d, 883 e, 883 f, and883 g is swelled into a balloon shape to be brought into press-contactwith the chip body 750 from below. Further, the shutter unit 801includes a disposal hole 890 passing through the first shutter plate 851c and the second shutter plate 851 d.

Further, in a table 903 on which the chip body 750 and the shutter unit801 are mounted in a superimposed state, shutter pressurizing ports 963d, 963 e, 963 f, and 963 g are provided to pass through the table 903,and are connected with tubes 917, respectively. The tubes 917 arerespectively connected with the same solenoid-controlled valves as theshutter solenoid-controlled valves 18 a to 18 g illustrated in FIG. 1,and are controlled in application of the pressurized medium. Inaddition, a disposal hole 906 is provided in the table 903, and isconnected with the disposal reservoir 8 through the disposalsolenoid-controlled valve 7 similarly to the disposal hole 6 illustratedin FIG. 1.

In addition, when, after being superimposed on each other, the chip body750 and the shutter unit 801 are mounted onto the table 903 and aresandwiched by the cover 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, the chip body 750 andthe shutter unit 801 are mounted in a superimposed state so that theshutter ports 763 a, 763 b, and 763 c respectively correspond inposition to the shutter ports 863 a, 863 b, and 863 c and the shutterports 863 d, 863 e, 863 f, and 863 g respectively correspond in positionto the shutter ports 963 d, 963 e, 963 f, and 963 g and the chipdisposal hole 790, the disposal hole 890, and the disposal hole 906correspond in position to each other.

In other words, the pressurized medium applied to each of the shutterports 763 d, 763 e, 763 f, and 763 g swells each of the shutter channels783 d, 783 e, 783 f, and 783 g into a balloon shape in the chip body750, to thereby close the channel. Further, the pressurized mediumapplied to each of the shutter ports 763 a, 763 b, and 763 c swells eachof the shutter channels 883 a, 883 b, and 883 c in the shutter unit 801into a balloon shape through each of the shutter ports 863 a, 863 b, and863 c, to thereby close the channel in the chip body 750 from a downwarddirection. Further, the pressurized medium applied to each of theshutter ports 963 d, 963 e, 963 f, and 963 g swells each of the shutterchannels 883 d, 883 e, 883 f, and 883 g in the shutter unit 801 into aballoon shape through each of the shutter ports 863 d, 863 e, 863 f, and863 g, to thereby close the channel in the chip body 750 from a downwarddirection.

As a result, the shutter channels 763 d, 763 e, 763 f, and 763 g and theshutter channels 883 d, 883 e, 883 f, and 883 g close the channels inthe chip body 750 from upward and downward directions, and thus a firmclosing mechanism is obtained. With provision of the above-mentionedstructure, blocking means equal to or firmer than the microchip 50illustrated in FIG. 2 is obtained.

In addition, another embodiment of this invention is described withreference to FIG. 26. A chip body 1050 has a structure similar to thestructure of the microchip 50 illustrated in FIG. 2. However, the chipbody 1050 does not include the shutter ports 63 d, 63 e, 63 f, and 63 gand the shutter channels 83 d, 83 e, 83 f, and 83 g.

Further, a shutter unit 1050 has a laminated structure formed of a firstshutter plate 1051 c formed of a stretchable member and a second shutterplate 1051 d, and shutter channels 1083 d, 1083 e, 1083 f, and 1083 gare provided in a partially non-bonded state between the first shutterplate 1051 c and the second shutter plate 1051 d.

Still further, shutter ports 1063 d, 1063 e, 1063 f, and 1063 g passingthrough the first shutter plate 1051 c are provided. In addition, oneend of each of the shutter channels 1083 d, 1083 e, 1083 f, and 1083 gis continuous with/opened to each of the shutter ports 1063 d, 1063 e,1063 f, and 1063 g. In other words, when the pressurized medium isapplied to each of the shutter ports 1063 d, 1063 e, 1063 f, and 1063 g,each of the shutter channels 1083 d, 1083 e, 1083 f, and 1083 g isswelled into a balloon shape to be brought into press-contact with thechip body 1050 from above.

Further, in the shutter unit 1050 a, shutter ports 1063 a, 1063 b, and1063 c passing through the first shutter plate 1051 c and the secondshutter plate 1051 d are provided at positions corresponding to theshutter ports 63 a, 63 b, and 63 c of the chip body 1050 when theshutter unit 1050 a is superimposed on the chip body 1050. In addition,there are provided through-holes through which an operation of the chipbody 1050 a is performed.

Next, after being superimposed on each other, the chip body 1050 and theshutter unit 1050 a are mounted onto the device illustrated in FIG. 1and are sandwiched between the cover 20 and the table 3, and thepreviously-set program is executed. Accordingly, the pressurized mediumis applied to each of the shutter ports 1063 d, 1063 e, 1063 f, and 1063g, and each of the shutter channels 1083 d, 1083 e, 1083 f, and 1083 gis swelled. As a result, each of the shutter channels 1083 d, 1083 e,1083 f, and 1083 g is brought into press-contact with each of thechannels 72 e, 72 f, and 72 g illustrated in FIG. 2, to thereby closethe same. As seen in the above description, the same effect is providedalso in the case of placing the shutter unit 1050 a above the chip body1050.

That is, as described above, the same effect is provided in the case ofplacing the shutter unit above or below the chip body, or even in thecase of placing the shutter units above and below the chip body, and nolimitation is imposed on where to place.

Hereinabove, this invention which has been made by the inventor of thisinvention is described in detail based on the embodiments. However, itis needless to say that this invention is not limited to theabove-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be madewithout departing from the gist of this invention.

This invention is based on Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication (JP-A) No. 2008-075395 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, and hencecontents disclosed in the above-mentioned patent application are allincorporated in this application.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A microchip comprising: a first layer; asecond layer; an intermediate layer which is provided between the firstlayer and the second layer and which comprises an elastic member; asample-delivering reservoir which packs a sample therein; asample-delivered reservoir to which the sample is delivered; a channelwhich is provided between the first layer and the intermediate layer andwhich connects the sample-delivering reservoir and the sample-deliveredreservoir; and a first shutter portion which is provided between thesecond layer and the intermediate layer and which overlaps the channelfrom a predetermined position of the channel to a vicinity of thesample-delivered reservoir; wherein the microchip is configured so thatthe channel is closed by applying pressure to the first shutter portionwhile the channel is opened by releasing the pressure to the firstshutter portion.
 2. A microchip according to claim 1, wherein: the firstshutter portion at least partially overlaps the channel in a lengthdirection of the channel, and the microchip is configured so that, byapplying pressure to the first shutter portion, at least a part of thesample remaining in the channel overlapping the first shutter portionflows to the sample-delivered reservoir.
 3. A microchip according toclaim 1, further comprising: a third layer which is provided opposite tothe intermediate layer with respect to the first layer; and a secondshutter portion which is provided between the first layer and the thirdlayer and which overlaps the channel; wherein the channel is sandwichedby the first and the second shutter portions.
 4. A microchip accordingto claim 1, wherein a hole portion is provided in a portioncorresponding to a position at which the channel and the first or asecond shutter portion overlap each other.
 5. A microchip according toclaim 4, wherein the microchip is configured to close the channel in amanner such that, when applying pressure to the first or the secondshutter portion to bring the first or the second shutter portion intopressing contact with the channel, the channel is deformed through theintermediate layer to enter the hole portion while being sandwiched in apress-contact state.
 6. A microchip according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a sample delivering portion which applies pressure to thesample in the sample-delivering reservoir so as to deliver the sample tothe sample-delivered reservoir.
 7. A microchip according to claim 1,wherein: the sample-delivering reservoir comprises a plurality ofsample-delivering reservoirs, the channel comprises a plurality ofdifferent channels, the sample comprises a plurality of samplesaffecting one another, the plurality of different channels beingprovided for the plurality of samples, respectively, the first shutterportion comprises a plurality of first shutter portions, the samplesflow from the plurality of sample-delivering reservoirs into thesample-delivered reservoir, and the plurality of first shutter portionsare provided for the plurality of different channels, respectively.
 8. Amicrochip according to claim 7, wherein the microchip is configured sothat: at an intersecting portion of the plurality of channels, one endof the first shutter portion is protruded into the intersecting portion;and when one of the plurality of channels is opened by one of the firstshutter portions at the intersecting portion so that the sample isdelivered, another of the plurality of channels is closed by another ofthe first shutter portions.
 9. A microchip according to claim 7, whereinat least one of the samples packed in the plurality of sample-deliveringreservoirs comprises a cleaning liquid or a channel-stabilizing liquid.